"Dad, Big Brother Song, time for dinner!" Shen Yue ran to the study, calling out to them.

Actually, Shen Dongyang and Song Xiaodong weren't really focused on the chessboard at all. Shen Dongyang immediately pushed the board aside and said, "Let's go, let's have a couple of drinks, just the two of us."

The dinner was quite sumptuous, Sun Dongxiang really had put in quite an effort, and even brought out a good bottle of wine, saying, "This is the best wine we have at home, don't mind it."

Song Xiaodong quickly said, "Auntie, you flatter us. This is a family dinner, and the atmosphere is what's important. If we wanted something extravagant, we might as well go to a restaurant."

Sun Dongxiang, smiling broadly, said, "Little Song, you're really good with words. Come on, eat up, see how my cooking is today."

Song Xiaodong tasted each dish, praising them non-stop as he ate, making Sun Dongxiang beam with joy, truly delighted.

The meal was truly enjoyable, Song Xiaodong and Shen Dongyang drank a fair amount, but neither overindulged.

After dinner, the four of them sat together in the living room, chatting for a while, and Sun Dongxiang proactively brought up Shen Yue's volunteer teaching plan.

"Little Song, help me talk to Little Yue. This child insists on going to volunteer teach in poor areas, leaving behind good job prospects. There's nothing to eat, nowhere to live there, what's the point of all that hardship?"

Shen Yue immediately pouted and said, "Mom, volunteering is clearly a good thing for the country and the people. Dad mentioned several times in meetings that he encourages young people to volunteer in remote areas. Could it be that he was only bluffing for others, and I can't go myself?"

Sun Dongxiang was left speechless by Shen Yue, and angrily said, "I said you're not allowed to go, so you can't go."

Song Xiaodong quickly said, "Auntie, please don't be upset. Little Yue has talked to me about this."

"So you also think Little Yue shouldn't go?" Sun Dongxiang said angrily.

Song Xiaodong twitched his mouth slightly, feeling that this matter was really a headache, and said, "This matter, I discussed it with Uncle Shen, and I think... it's actually a good opportunity for Uncle Shen to gain reputation."

"What?" Sun Dongxiang frowned slightly.

"Think about it, Uncle Shen has always encouraged such things. If even his own daughter volunteers, it really shows how seriously Uncle Shen takes this matter. It would be hugely beneficial for promoting it, and also enhances Uncle Shen's image."

After a brief pause, Song Xiaodong continued, "Little Yue, as the mayor's daughter, volunteering in a poor region also builds her credentials. If she returns to work in politics later, with Uncle Shen's support and my help, her career would surely advance quickly. It not only compensates for the time volunteering, but also speeds up her progress—a method of initial hardship followed by sweetness."

As Shen Dongyang's wife, Sun Dongxiang naturally knew how much effort it takes an official to get promoted. Song Xiaodong's perspective seemed quite reasonable to her, but she still hesitated and said, "But it's so tough, I have only one daughter, how can I bear to let her suffer?"

Song Xiaodong said, "It's not difficult. I'll assign a bodyguard to Little Yue, so her safety, as well as food, shelter, and other needs will be taken care of. My sending someone over isn't Uncle Shen abusing his public position for private interests, so no one can say otherwise."

Hearing this, Sun Dongxiang felt much more at ease, though still hesitated. Shen Yue, however, widened her eyes at Song Xiaodong, saying, "Big Brother Song, you can't be serious! You're getting me a bodyguard? I'm just going to volunteer teach, what would that look like?"

Song Xiaodong quickly said, "Don't worry, I'll arrange for a woman, who can also volunteer as a teacher, and just accompany you usually, so you won't feel awkward."

"This..." Shen Yue still hesitated a bit.

Sun Dongxiang glared and said, "Little Song has thought it out so thoroughly for you, what more do you have to say? If you don't agree, then I surely won't let you go."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yue's eyes lit up immediately and she said, "Mom, you really agree to let me go?"

Sun Dongxiang snorted and said, "Little Song is willing to let you go through hardships, what can I do? Besides, there's still a bodyguard."

Shen Yue was overjoyed, hugged her mother and gave her a kiss, saying, "Thank you, Mom, thank you, Mom, you're finally letting me go."

Sun Dongxiang snorted and said, "You better thank your Brother Song instead. If he didn't plead for you, you think I'd let you go?"

Shen Dongyang laughed heartily and said, "It seems like Little Song's face is really worth something."

Shen Yue, also very excited, turned around and hugged Song Xiaodong; she almost kissed him, but suddenly realized they were in front of her parents, so she quickly stopped herself and withdrew her head, looking embarrassed.

Song Xiaodong also felt a bit embarrassed. In front of her parents, such actions indeed seemed excessive. Moreover, though he and Shen Yue had mutual affection, they hadn't had any intimate interactions, making this the first time for such an act.

Shen Dongyang and Sun Dongxiang remained surprisingly calm, even smiling. Sun Dongxiang said, "This child, you really let success get to your head."

Shen Yue sheepishly let go and said, "I'm just too happy, finally I can go."

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